Influence of inter-parental conflict on adolescent delinquency via school connectedness: Is impulsivity a vulnerability or plasticity factor?

J Adolesc. 2016 Oct:52:12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.07.001. Epub 2016 Jul 29.

Abstract

This study examined the mediating effect of school connectedness on the relationship between inter-parental conflict and adolescent delinquency, and impulsivity's moderation of the conditional effect of school connectedness. In total, 1407 Chinese students (mean age = 12.74 years, SD = 0.57) from 4 middle schools completed anonymous questionnaires regarding inter-parental conflict, impulsivity, school connectedness, and delinquency. Path analysis revealed school connectedness was a mediator in the relationship between inter-parental conflict and adolescent delinquency. Furthermore, impulsivity moderated the indirect effect of school connectedness in the relationship between inter-parental conflict and adolescent delinquency. A simple slope plot, together with a proportion affected (PA) index, indicated that impulsivity functioned more as a plasticity, rather than a vulnerability, factor in school connectedness. When school connectedness was low, high impulsivity was associated with more delinquent behaviors; however, when it was high, high impulsivity was associated with fewer delinquent behaviors.

Keywords: Adolescent delinquency; Impulsivity; Inter-parental conflict; School connectedness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Asian People
  • Child
  • Family Conflict / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology*
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Schools
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires